Space Data PWN-10Super Loki Datasonde

In the late 1960s, the USAF wanted a version of the instrumented Loki-Dart (PWN-8) with
a transponder integrated into the payload to allow a ground tracking technique other than radar. The "starute" (square-shaped
metalized parachute structure) was also to be of greater diamater to compensate the higher payload weight. All this required a larger
dart, and in turn a more powerful
booster. For this purpose, Space Data Corporation developed the Super Loki booster. The significantly increased power
more than made up for the heavier dart, and could be used to increase overall safety of the system by adding a weight to
the booster/dart adapter. This made the booster much more stable after burnout and separation, preventing a tumbling descent on an
uncontrolled trajectory. Super Loki rockets are launched from an LAU-66/A pad-mounted helical rail-gun launcher, which can be
adjusted in azimuth and elevation. The spiral rails impose a stabilizing spin on the rocket during launch.

Drawing: via Morrow/Pines

Super Loki-Dart (PWN-10A)

The USAF used several Super Loki boosted meteorological probes, the first of which was the PWN-10A.
It carried a dart with a temperature sensor, a telemetry transmitter, and a transponder. The instrument package transmitted
temperature data, and received and transmitted ranging data for accurate tracking to determine wind speed and direction.
The PWN-10B was identical except that the ranging receiver was not included in the payload (therefore requiring a powerful
tracking radar). From about 1970, the PWN-10 replaced the much more expensive
PWN-6 Kitty (Arcas) and the less capable PWN-8 as the Air Force's
standard meteorological sounding rocket.

Other derivatives of the Super Loki-Dart used by the USAF were the PWN-11 and
PWN-12 probes. In the late 1990s, the PWN-10 (also known as the Super Loki Transpondersonde) was still
used by NASA Wallops for high-altitude weather recordings. The probe was then referred to as PWN-10DDatasonde®,
but this is a non-military designation (the suffix "D" was possibly chosen to mean "Datasonde"). Current prime contractor for
all Super Loki related rockets is Orbital Sciences, which acquired Space Data in 1991.

Specifications

Note: Data given by several sources show slight variations. Figures given below may therefore be inaccurate!